NDIS Funding for FES Therapy: Unlocking Rehabilitation and Independence for Australians with Spinal Cord Injury

Are you or a loved one living with a spinal cord injury and seeking advanced rehabilitation options? Understanding NDIS funding for FES therapy can open up new possibilities for improved mobility, strength, and independence. At Making Strides, we specialise in evidence-based neurorehabilitation, including Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) therapy, and support clients in navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to access essential services. This article covers how NDIS funding for FES therapy can support your recovery, what FES therapy involves, and steps to get started, with practical insights drawn from our extensive experience in spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

The Evolution of Rehabilitation: Why NDIS Funding for FES Therapy Matters

Australia has seen significant progress in the care and support available to people with spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has become a vital resource for eligible Australians, providing individualised funding for therapies that promote functional gains and reduce barriers to independence. Among these, FES therapy stands out as a transformative intervention for those with limited or lost voluntary movement.

FES therapy uses controlled electrical impulses to stimulate paralysed or weakened muscles, allowing for activities such as cycling, grasping, or stepping. This approach is especially relevant in the context of spinal cord injury rehabilitation, where regaining even small amounts of movement can lead to meaningful changes in daily life.

As a recognised NDIS provider, Making Strides offers tailored programs that incorporate FES therapy alongside exercise physiology, physiotherapy, and other allied health services. This integration ensures that clients not only access the latest technology but also receive support aligned with the NDIS funding structure, making the most of their plan and working towards personal goals. With ongoing innovation in FES and neurorehabilitation, individuals now have more options than ever to pursue functional recovery and greater independence.

Understanding FES Therapy: How It Works and Who Can Benefit

What Is FES Therapy?

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) therapy involves applying gentle electrical currents to specific muscles or nerve groups. When delivered by trained professionals, these impulses cause muscles to contract, either supporting voluntary movement or triggering actions that would otherwise be impossible due to paralysis or weakness.

FES therapy can be implemented as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy, helping clients:

Improve muscle strength and endurance
Maintain or restore joint mobility
Increase circulation and reduce secondary complications
Support functional tasks like standing, transferring, or cycling

This therapy is especially valuable for people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, stroke, or other neurological conditions affecting movement. FES devices can be used in clinical settings, during group sessions, or as part of a home-based program, provided there is appropriate guidance and monitoring from qualified clinicians.

NDIS Funding for FES Therapy: Who Is Eligible?

The NDIS supports Australians who have a permanent and significant disability, including those with spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions. If you are eligible for the NDIS, you may be able to include FES therapy as a funded support in your plan. This can cover:

Clinical FES sessions delivered by allied health professionals
Purchase or hire of FES devices for home use
Training and support for ongoing therapy

Eligibility and funding decisions are made based on individual needs, goals, and the evidence provided in your plan. It’s helpful to work with experienced providers like Making Strides, who understand how to align FES therapy with NDIS requirements and can assist in preparing supporting documentation for plan reviews.

The Role of FES in SCI Rehabilitation

FES therapy is often integrated with other interventions, such as exercise physiology, hydrotherapy, and manual therapy. This holistic approach addresses multiple aspects of recovery:

Muscle activation and re-education
Cardiovascular fitness
Bone and joint health
Reduction in spasticity and pain

By combining FES with activity-based therapy, clients have a greater chance of achieving practical gains, from improved transfers to better participation in daily activities. The therapy also helps prevent secondary health issues, which are common in those with long-standing mobility challenges.

Key Benefits of NDIS Funding for FES Therapy

Accessing NDIS funding for FES therapy provides more than just financial support—it can help you achieve your rehabilitation and lifestyle goals more effectively. Here are some of the main advantages:

Personalised Rehabilitation: FES therapy is tailored to each person’s injury level, goals, and medical considerations, ensuring the most relevant interventions.
Increased Independence: Regular FES sessions can improve strength and function, reducing reliance on support for everyday tasks.
Prevention of Secondary Complications: Ongoing therapy helps manage issues such as muscle atrophy, pressure injuries, and circulatory problems.
Integration with Other Therapies: NDIS funding enables a multi-disciplinary approach, combining FES with hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and exercise physiology.
Greater Access to Technology: Funding can cover the cost of advanced FES devices and clinician support, making high-quality rehabilitation more accessible.

These benefits underscore why securing NDIS funding for FES therapy is a significant step for many Australians living with spinal cord injuries or neurological conditions.

Navigating the NDIS: Steps to Access FES Therapy

How to Include FES Therapy in Your NDIS Plan

Securing NDIS funding for FES therapy involves several steps. Understanding the process can make your journey smoother and ensure you receive the right supports.

Assessment and Goal Setting: Work with your allied health team to define your rehabilitation goals and identify how FES therapy will help you achieve them.
Supporting Documentation: Gather clinical reports, letters of support, and evidence of previous therapy outcomes to present a strong case for FES funding.
Plan Review or Planning Meeting: Discuss your goals and desired supports with your NDIS planner, highlighting the role of FES therapy in promoting independence and health.
Service Agreements: Once funding is approved, establish service agreements with providers like Making Strides to begin therapy.
Ongoing Evaluation: Track your progress with regular assessments, adjusting the program as needed and preparing for future plan reviews.

Working with experienced providers ensures these steps are managed effectively, reducing delays and maximising the benefits of your NDIS plan.

Key Considerations When Seeking NDIS Funding

When applying for NDIS funding for FES therapy, keep these points in mind:

Collaboration: Involve your therapists, support coordinators, and medical team early in the planning process.
Evidence: Provide detailed evidence of how FES therapy addresses your specific needs and goals.
Flexibility: Be open to different therapy formats, including group sessions, home programs, or intensive options.
Safety: Confirm that FES equipment and protocols meet Australian safety standards and are administered by qualified professionals.

These considerations will help you develop a robust case and ensure your NDIS plan aligns with your long-term rehabilitation objectives.

The Role of Allied Health Professionals in FES Rehabilitation

Allied health professionals play a central part in delivering FES therapy and guiding clients through the NDIS process. At Making Strides, our multidisciplinary team includes exercise physiologists, physiotherapists, and support staff with expertise in spinal cord injury and neurological rehabilitation. Our approach combines:

Individual assessments to determine suitability for FES therapy
Customised exercise plans that integrate FES with other evidence-based interventions
Ongoing support to monitor progress, manage risks, and adjust therapy as your needs change

This team-based model ensures your program remains safe, effective, and aligned with your goals—whether you are attending sessions in our Queensland facilities or participating in a home-based program.

Comparison Table: FES Therapy Access Pathways with NDIS Funding

Access Pathway	Description	Main Advantages	Considerations
NDIS-Approved Clinical Sessions	FES sessions with allied health professionals at a registered provider	Personalised guidance, safe environment, goal focus	Requires NDIS plan approval, scheduled appointments
FES Device Purchase/Hire	Funding to buy or rent FES devices for home use	Ongoing access, flexibility, integrates into routine	Initial training required, home safety considerations
Group-Based FES Programs	Group therapy incorporating FES, often blended with exercise physiology	Peer support, motivation, cost-effective	May not suit all goals, availability varies
Intensive or Traveller Packages	Short-term, high-frequency FES rehabilitation for interstate/international	Condensed gains, suited for visitors	Accommodation/logistics, may need prior planning

This table demonstrates the variety of ways NDIS funding for FES therapy can be used to suit individual circumstances and preferences.

Making Strides and FES Therapy: How We Support Your Rehabilitation Journey

At Making Strides, we specialise in neurological rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries and related conditions. Our team brings together over a century of combined experience in activity-based therapy, exercise physiology, physiotherapy, and advanced modalities like FES therapy. As an official rehab partner of the Spinal Injury Project at Griffith University, we remain at the forefront of neurorehabilitation research and practice.

When you choose Making Strides for your FES therapy needs, you benefit from:

Personalised rehabilitation programs that integrate FES therapy with other modalities, tailored to your goals and medical profile
Access to advanced equipment, including Australia’s longest over-ground gait training tracks, multiple body weight support systems, and a range of FES devices
A welcoming community known as the “Purple Family,” where clients share experiences and motivate each other throughout recovery
Guidance navigating the NDIS process, with our team providing supporting documentation and advice to help you secure funding for FES therapy and associated services
Traveller packages and home program options for interstate and international clients, ensuring everyone can access intensive rehabilitation when needed

Our approach focuses on empowering you to reach new levels of independence, health, and participation in life. If you’re considering NDIS funding for FES therapy, contact us for an initial consultation and see how our expertise can support your journey. To find out more about our services, visit our Services page or get in touch via our Contact page.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of NDIS Funding for FES Therapy

If you are planning to access FES therapy through your NDIS plan, these practical tips can help you get started and maximise your outcomes:

Prepare clear goals: Before your planning meeting, think about how FES therapy can help you achieve greater independence, such as improving transfers or participating in community activities.
Gather evidence: Ask your therapists for comprehensive reports and outcome measures that demonstrate the benefits of FES therapy for your condition.
Stay informed: Learn about different FES devices and therapy formats, so you can make informed choices about what suits your needs best.
Build a support team: Work closely with allied health professionals, support coordinators, and family members to get the most out of your NDIS plan.
Regularly review progress: Schedule follow-up assessments to monitor gains and adapt your therapy as your goals change.
Prioritise safety: Only use FES equipment under the guidance of qualified professionals, especially when starting new exercises or using devices at home.

Staying organised, proactive, and connected with your support network will help you make the most of NDIS funding for FES therapy and achieve meaningful progress.

Looking Ahead: The Future of FES Therapy and NDIS Support in Australia

Rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions continues to advance across Australia, with FES therapy gaining wider recognition for its role in restoring function and quality of life. As the NDIS grows and adapts, more people can access tailored therapies that were once out of reach.

Current trends in FES therapy include the development of portable, user-friendly devices for home use, as well as group programs that combine social support with rehabilitation. Research partnerships, such as those between Making Strides and Griffith University, are helping to refine best practices and expand access to innovative interventions.

Looking to the future, we anticipate that:

FES therapy will become more widely available through community and home-based programs
Technology will continue to improve, making devices easier and safer to use
The NDIS will support greater flexibility in how clients access and combine different therapies
Peer support and knowledge sharing will play an even greater role in recovery

By staying informed and working with leading providers, Australians with spinal cord injuries can look forward to new opportunities for independence and participation.

Achieving Independence with NDIS Funding for FES Therapy: What’s Next for Your Rehabilitation?

NDIS funding for FES therapy offers Australians living with spinal cord injuries a genuine pathway to greater independence, improved health, and a more active lifestyle. By understanding the process, knowing what to expect, and partnering with experienced clinicians like those at Making Strides, you can make informed choices that will support your long-term goals.

What new possibilities could FES therapy open up for your daily life? How might advances in neurorehabilitation change the future of spinal cord injury recovery in Australia? Are you ready to take the next step towards increased independence and participation?

If you would like guidance on accessing NDIS funding for FES therapy, or want to learn more about how Making Strides can support your rehabilitation, reach out to us today. Your journey to greater independence starts here.